Few areas in Asia can match the cultural and natural diversity as can be found following the chain of the Lesser Sunda Islands: towering active volcanoes, jungle clad mountain ranges, alternated by dry savannah lowlands, both teeming with wildlife… quiet coastal villages, emerald seas, megalithic cultures, colorful market places, tribal rituals and in addition a world of kaleidoscopic beauty under water.

This leisure expedition includes the Komodo area for a couple of days of snorkeling, beach combing and hiking through one of the most beautiful National Parks of Indonesia. Entering the Flores Highlands you have an opportunity to hike to some remote villages and witness the tedious process of ‘ikat’ weaving, practiced amid unsurpassed scenery of gigantic volcanoes, bamboo forests and intriguingly colored crater lakes. It is the very best introduction to the soul of Indonesia.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Early afternoon arrival by air from Denpasar, Bali, in Maumere. east Flores. After boarding and settling in on Katharina, we will pay a visit to the small village of Watublapi where we will witness a cultural performance and the traditional hand weaving process typical for Flores. After the performance and dinner on board we will set sail headed for Ropa to the west along the north coast of Flores.

Day 2: Early in the morning we reach Ropa, Central Flores, the starting point for our excursion to Kelimutu. The Kelimutu is a volcano with 3 crater lakes, each in a different color. Situated in the midst of forest-covered mountains, the colors of the lakes are a surprise, as they change from time to time. They may be turquoise, black and a reddish brown, but don’t be surprised if you find a white one or a red one!

We take our time to experience the spooky atmosphere surrounding this natural phenomenon, quite unique in the world. On the way back we stop in several villages to meet with some of the women who specialize in the typical Flores ikat weaving techniques. Back on the vessel, we move to a nearby beach for the remainder of the afternoon for relaxing, swimming and snorkeling. At night we will sail from Ropa to Riung.

Day 3: Today we take our time to explore the Riung Archipelago, a group of (17) uninhabited islands encircled by white sandy beaches and beautiful coral gardens just off the coast of Flores. Here we will spend the whole day beachcombing, swimming and snorkeling. A hike up to the hill warrantees the spectator of a spectacular view of the main island. We will have a barbecue on a desert beach before continuing our voyage westward, direction Komodo.

Day 4: This morning we will go ashore at the ranger station in Loh Liang on Komodo Island for a two hour trek through the park. In a setting of a dry and rugged landscape we will meet.

Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.

Prices:

- Euro 1995 per person sharing a double or twin cabin in low season
- Euro 2130 in July and August.

About This Supplier

Location: IndonesiaJoined InfoHub: Aug 2006Client Request Served: 113

M14725 is the trademark for a management consortium of three splendid sailing vessels that have become the standard for responsible maritime tourism throughout the Indonesian archipelago. We operate the traditional schooners Katharina and Ombak Putih on scheduled departures of 'leisure expeditions' all year...